In the past, IUTOX engaged in dialogue with various international toxicology organizations to address this important issue. IUTOX Executive Committee engaged in activities that support accreditation and/or registration of toxicologists around the world. As a result of discussions held during the IUTOX-sponsored workshop at the 2000 Annual Meeting of the SOT in Philadelphia, it was decided to create an international forum, the "International Assembly for the Recognition of Toxicologists"(IART). The mission of IART was defined as threefold: 1) to establish a forum for development of criteria for recognizing qualified experts in toxicology; 2) to assist "recognizing organizations" in establishing these criteria; and 3) to promote identification and training needs to enhance expertise in toxicology. The membership of IART is open to all organizations (e.g., registries, boards, academies, etc.) whose purpose is the recognition of expertise in toxicology.rtise in toxicology.